Category: Ontario

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Days 90 to 93 – One more chance to see loved ones before the lengthy return west

I couldn’t pass up the chance to see my family on the return west and I was glad I made the detour. With the days having been so busy I took some time to simply just relax and recuperate before a return to the adventuring.


I had originally planned to stay only two days but ended up staying three. On the last day my parents along with my younger brother Norman and his girlfriend Rossie went for a short hike together to admire some waterfalls. With Hamilton being the waterfall capitol of the world there was plenty to choose from and we soon found ourselves admiring the natural wonders.


Having worked up an appetite we all took a trip to a vegan restaurant for a bite to eat. The food was delicious and we all chowed down as Winnie waited outside and made strangers smile. With full bellies we returned to our vehicles and drove to a nearby dog park. I gave my parents a hug goodbye and both Josh and Rossie accompanied me into the park. Winnie had a blast as she ran all over the place, darting in and out of the bushes with wild leaps as the springs in her legs sent her flying over the various ravines. Having spent a good 45 minutes wandering around we arrived back at the entrance. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.


Being back on the road was tough. As I drove along I couldn’t help but feel a heavy loneliness settling over me. I didn’t know when I’d see my family again but I was glad I took the time to visit. The sun was setting and I drove on into the night, arriving at North Bay where I stopped in to see my buddy Jason. Being a bit of night owl, he was awake and waiting for me when I arrived and we chatted until we finally dozed off well into the night.


I had originally planned to leave the following day but not knowing when I’d see Jason again I decided to spend some extra time and stay an extra day. I was glad I did so as we had a great time hanging out and catching up.

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Day 94 – Aliens and autumn leaves

I wished I could have spent more time with Jason and his mother Sonya but the road was calling and I had a lot of ground to cover. With this in mind we all said our farewells to one another and I took to the highway.


When I’d left North Bay the sky was a thick overcast of clouds yet as I continued on I could see blue patches revealing themselves and soon I was driving in the sunshine.


Through many small towns I travelled as I took the northern route across Ontaio. The land had a calm feeling to it, with small little towns scattered amongst the vast forests.


I drove on into the night, passing through towns such as Moonbeam where a glowing saucer and a little alien welcomed me. Fatigue was taking its toll, I fought through it for a while but I knew I’d have to rest soon. I managed to find a campground where I pitched my tent and crawled inside to doze off at last. I was glad I had some extra layers on as the temperature had dropped to -2 degrees, the coldest I’ve slept in yet on my trip across Canada. One thing is certain, summer is long gone.

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Day 95 – Colorful and cloudy

I awoke to the coldest morning I’d encountered thus far on my trip. I’d been worried about Winnie freezing but all that hair of hers seems to be keeping her toasty. I knew I had a huge drive ahead of me so I wasted no time packing my tent and getting on the road as soon as I could.


The drive took me through a land of thick forests. Mini black flies began to appear again, I feel they’re something unavoidable as you go further north in the forested regions of Canada.


A thick layer of clouds accompanied me throughout the day. Occasional patches of rain fell upon the land, quenching the thirst of the countless trees as it seeped into the soil.


While much of the journey was through flat areas, I eventually found myself driving alongside massive cliffs and sizable lakes. The change in scenery was welcomed as it brought a greater variety of views to appreciate.


I drove on into the night, arriving at Thunder Bay where I stopped to rest my eyes. That rest turned into a full on nap as I woke up hours later at 1 am. I guess I’d been more tired than I thought. Opting to continue the drive in the morning I dozed off once again as the wind and rain continued outside my car.

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Day 96 – New discoveries on a familiar road

A consistent and misty rainfall followed me almost the entire day. I had plenty of ground to cover so I didn’t mind as I took to the lengthy highway before me.


Despite me retracing roads I’d driven on my venture east, I managed to find some new things I hadn’t seen yet such as a few waterfalls hidden in the brush of the wetlands.


I feel like I’m in a race for time. As it gets colder all that rain becomes a problem once the temperature drops below zero. I haven’t had to deal with snow yet on this trip but I have a feeling it’s coming.


I managed to make it out of Ontario, returning to Manitoba as I ventured west. With the traffic turning to a trickle during the night, I made my way through Winnipeg to a campground on the outskirts of the city where I pitched my tent and called it a day.